It is estimated that up to 85% of American teens struggle with acne. When it becomes severe, acne can cause permanent facial scarring – which is why acne warrants professional treatment by a pediatric dermatologist.
Plus, a pediatric skin doctor helps teens and children with much more than just acne. Let’s talk about why it is in your teen’s best interest to get a dermatologist’s advice about skin care, and where you can go in the Miami area and throughout South Florida for world-class dermatology.
Do Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments Work?
There are many over-the-counter acne products that can help to somewhat control mild to moderate acne outbreaks. However, these salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide washes, ointments, and creams do not work to fight off the more severe forms of acne, such as:
- Papules (acne with red inflammation over a white bump)
- Pustules (bursting acne with visible pus)
- Nodules (tiny bump-like pimples)
- Cysts (small, firm bumps under the skin)
What Would a Dermatologist Do for My Teenager?
Your pediatric dermatologist will conduct a complete evaluation of your teenager’s skin and any underlying conditions or predispositions toward acne and other skin problems. The doctor can then recommend treatment.
For example, some teen girls experience acne blemishes along with excessive weight gain and body hair. This condition is called polycystic ovary syndrome, and only an experienced dermatologist can perform the exam and blood work needed to pinpoint the diagnosis and determine the best treatment options.
For severe acne, your teen can take advantage of laser treatments, prescription acne medication (such as Accutane), hormone therapy, and prescription antibiotics for effective management and control of acne blemishes.
Teen Skin Problems Treated by a Dermatologist
Pediatric dermatology involves treating much more than just teenage acne. Some of the skin conditions that are frequently diagnosed and treated by your pediatric dermatologist include the following:
- Warts (small, dome-shaped lesions caused by viruses)
- Moles (skin-colored or darker skin growths – moles must be monitored for changes which may indicate cancer)
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis, which is an autoimmune condition characterized by dry, itchy orange skin patches on the arms, legs, and chest)
- Contact dermatitis (an allergic skin reaction or skin sensitivity to soaps, fragrances, fabrics, or chemicals)
- Hives (large, reddish bumps which appear after sun, plant, food, or animal exposure)
- Sunburn
- Vitiligo (a pigment defect involving white patches)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Psoriasis (itchy, dry, red skin patches with silvery-white scales)
Professional Skin Advice and Treatment in Miami
At Children’s Skin Center, our dermatology team wants your teen and your whole family to have healthy skin for life. To arrange a consultation with a member of our experienced medical team, call or text us today at (305)-669-6555. We have convenient offices in Coral Gables, Doral, Miami, Miami Lakes, Miramar, Pinecrest, and West Kendall, and we look forward to seeing you at our location near you!
